Massive Violence in West Bengal’s Medinipur, Over 60 Shops Burnt in Khajuri and Hijli Sharif
Shops belonging to both Hindu and Muslim traders were destroyed in fresh violence following election tensions in Purba Medinipur.
Fresh violence has erupted in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district, where large scale arson attacks were reported in the Khajuri and Hijli Sharif areas. More than 60 shops belonging to both Hindu and Muslim traders were burnt down, leaving hundreds of families in distress.
The incident took place in the Nich Kasba Gram Panchayat area of Khajuri, where miscreants allegedly set fire to marketplaces late at night. By the time fire services and security personnel reached the spot, dozens of shops had already been reduced to ashes.
The violence has created panic among local residents, many of whom lost their only source of income in the blaze.
Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee strongly condemned the incident and described it as an act of “barbarity.” In a statement on social media, he accused BJP supporters of deliberately targeting the shops in an attempt to damage Bengal’s social harmony and democratic fabric.
Banerjee said the attackers did not care whether the shops belonged to Hindus or Muslims and were only focused on spreading destruction and fear.
TMC leader Mahua Moitra also criticised the BJP over the incident. She said West Bengal was continuously witnessing violence and questioned how such incidents could take place despite the presence of hundreds of central security force companies in the state.
According to police officials, the fire broke out between Saturday and Sunday night. Firefighters and security teams worked to bring the flames under control, but heavy damage had already occurred.
While political leaders have described the incident as a planned attack linked to post election tensions, some early reports suggested the possibility of a short circuit. However, affected traders and political representatives rejected that claim.
Purba Medinipur is considered politically sensitive, and tensions between the BJP and Trinamool Congress have remained high after the recent elections.
Authorities have deployed additional security forces in the area to prevent further violence. Police said an investigation is underway and CCTV footage is being examined to identify those responsible.
Affected shopkeepers have demanded compensation from the government and called for strict action against the culprits.